Italian Explosive Ordnance - 75mm Projectiles (Part 1)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

75/13mm HE

Guns used in: 75/13mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M10 I.M35 p.c., I.M38 p.c, or I.M40 p.c.

Overall length of round: 266 mm
Diameter at base: 74.2 mm
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.6 mm

Type of filling: MNDT or TNT
Weight of filling: 0.37 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.37 kilograms







75/13mm HE (Light Case)
 
 

Guns used in: 75/13mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M (Guerritore) or M10

Overall length of round (w/o fuze): 276.7 mm
Diameter at base: 74.2 mm
Distance base to band: 38 mm
Width of band: 12 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.6 mm

Type of filling: MDNT or TNT
Weight of filling: 0.53 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 5.1 kilograms

Booster used: No. 1 M38

  

75/13mm HE M32
 
 

Guns used in: 75/18mm and 75/34mm SPAG, and 75/27mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M10

Overall length (w/ fuze): 319 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 305 mm
Diameter at base: 64.4 mm
Distance base to band: 58 mm
Width of band: 9.7 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.74 mm
Weight of filling: 0.6 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.35 kg


Total length of round:
75/18 - 479.1 mm
75/34 - 580.7 mm

Weight of complete round:
75/18 - 7.725 kg
75/34 - 8.52 kg

Weight of propellent charge:
75/18 - 0.42kg Ballistite
75/34 - 0.69kg F.B1 Powder









75/27mm HE M32

Guns used in: 75/18mm SPAG, 75/13mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M10 or I.O. M40 p.c.

Overall length (w/ fuze): 319 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 305mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 46 mm
Width of band: 9.7 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.74 mm

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.6 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.35 kg
Total length of round: 591.5 mm
Weight of complete round: 7.725 kg
Weight of propellent charge: 0.42 kg Ballistite







75/32mm HE

Guns used in: 75/34mm SPAG, 75/32mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Fuze I.O. M. 36/40 or Nose Fuze A.D.E. M36

Overall length: 351 mm
Diameter at base: 65.2 mm
Distance base to band: 53 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.74 mm
Width of band: 15 mm

Type of filling: Probably TNT
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.35 kg

Remarks: The same projectile is used in fixed or semi-fixed type ammunition.  The cartridge case used for fixed round for the 75/34mm gun is 632.1 mm long and weighs 8.42 kg.  The propellent consists of I.B.I. powder weighing 0.69 kg.

75/32mm A.D.E. HE

Guns used in: 75/32mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Fuze A.D.E. M36

Overall length (w/ fuze): 368 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 273 mm
Diameter at base: 65.2 mm
Distance base to band: 42 mm
Width of band: 14 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 74.74 mm

Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: 0.5 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.3 kg
Cartridge case: Type for 75/32mm gun

Remarks: The projectile is called a double-purpose type by the Italians and Germans.  It can be set for serial burst or impact.

75/46mm HE M34

Guns used in: 75/46mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Fuzing: Nose Fuze M.T. for 75/46, M.T. 36 or Time M36

Overall length: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown

Width of bands:
1st Band: 15 mm
2nd Band: 16 mm

Diameter at bourrelet: 74.75 mm

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.33 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 6.5 kg
Booster: No. 5 M38

Remarks: The projectile has double rotation band with a space of 10 mm between them.  The complete rounds weigh 10.645 kg and are 866.7 mm long.  The propelling charge is C2 weighing 1.47 kg.

75/46mm HE M36

Guns used in: 75/46mm Anti-Aircraft Gun

Fuzing: Nose Fuze A.D.E. M36

Overall length: Unknown

Diameter at base: Unknown

Distance base to band: Unknown

Width of bands:
1st Band: 15 mm
2nd Band: 16 mm

 

Diameter at bourrelet: 74.75 mm

Type of filling: TNT

Weight of filling: 0.345 kg

Weight of loaded projectile: 6.355 kg
Length of complete round: 880.4 mm
Length of cartridge case: 582.7 mm

Type of propellant:
-1.07 kg C2 Powder, or
-1.945 kg N.A.C. Powder, or
-1.605 kg M.B. Powder, or
-1.685 kg F.C4 Powder, or
-1.617 kg F.B1 Powder

Remarks: Double rotating band 10 mm apart.  Projectile almost identical to 75 HE M34.

 

Next Time: Italian 75mm Projectiles (Part 2)

Italian Explosive Ordnance - 57mm to 70mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

57/43mm A.P. (Without Cap)

 
Guns used in: 57/43mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base Percussion Fuze M09

Overall length of round: 222mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 36mm
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.135 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 2.912 kilograms

Remarks: This projectile is part of a fixed round which weighs 5.06 kilograms and has a propellent charge of ballistite.  The propellant weighs 0.46 kg and is compressed of grains 2mm x 2mm x 300mm.






57/43mm A.P. (With Cap)

Guns used in: 57/43mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base Percussion Fuze M09

Overall length of round: 252.5mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 36mm
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.105 kilograms (The book states 105 kg)
Weight of loaded projectile: 5.083 kilograms

Remarks: This projectile is almost identical to the 57mm A.P. (without cap) except that a ballistic cap is added.  The propellent charge weighs 0.55 kg and consists of powder C2 in grains 3.3mm x 1.1mm x 205mm and 102mm.

  

65/17mm HE

Guns used in: 65/17mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M10

Overall length (w/ fuze): 214 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 234 mm
Diameter at base: 64.5 mm
Distance base to band: 23 mm
Width of band: 7 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 64.7 mm

Type of filling: TNT or MNDT
Weight of filling: 0.23 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 4.15 kg
Total length of round: 394 mm
Weight of complete round: 5 kg
Booster used: No.5 M38

Remarks: The projectile is thought also to have been fuzed with the Nose Fuze A.D.E. M06 17 (My copy is blurred here).  This fuze requires the removal of the nose adapter and also changes the length and weight of the projectile.





65/17mm AP

Guns used in: 65/17mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Base Percussion Fuze M10

Overall length: 280 mm
Diameter at base: 64.5 mm (Manual states 645)
Distance base to band: 23 mm
Width of band: 7 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 64.7 mm

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.16 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 4.23 kg

Remarks: The projectile is part of a fixed round.  The propellent charge weighs 5.13 kg






65/17mm EP (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 65/17mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Base Percussion Fuze EP M44

Overall length: 243.4 mm
Diameter at base: 64.6 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 64.7 mm

Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: Unknown

Remarks: The projectile with its cartridge case makes up a fixed round of ammunition, the length of which is 412.6 mm.

65/17mm EPS (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 65/17mm Mountain Gun
Fuzing: Base Percussion Fuze IEPM

Overall length: 248.7 mm
Diameter at base: 64.6 mm
Distance base to band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: 64.7 mm

Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: Unknown

Remarks: The projectile is used in a fixed round, the overall length of which is 418.2 mm.

70/15mm HE

Guns used in: 70/15mm Pack Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M10 or Nose Fuze M (Guerritore)

Overall length without fuze: 229mm
Diameter at base: 69.3mm (approx) (Manual states 6.93, with no measurement)
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: 69.5 mm

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.275 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 4.75 kg

Next Time: Italian 75mm Projectiles (Part 1)

Italian Explosive Ordnance - 37mm to 47mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

37/40mm H.E.

Guns used in: 37/40mm Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 37/40 Shell

Overall length of round: 72mm
Diameter at base: 36.4mm (approx.)
Distance base to band: 18mm
Width of band: 22mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 36.5mm

Type of filling: Ballistite
Weight of filling: 41.5 grams
Weight of loaded projectile: 677 grams
Total length of projectile: 328mm
Weight of propellant: 112 grams
Weight of complete round: 2 lb, 13.5 oz

Remarks: The projectile is closed by a heavy steel pointed nose fitted internally with the fuze.






37/40mm HE/AP

Guns used in: 37/40mm Gun
Fuzing: None

Overall length of round: 138mm
Diameter at base: 30mm
Distance base to band: 18mm
Width of band: 20mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 36.4mm

Type of filling: Ballistite
Weight of filling: 23 grams
Weight of loaded projectile: 698 grams
Total length of projectile: 322mm
Weight of propellant: 112 grams
Weight of complete round: 2 lb, 14.5 oz

Remarks: The base of the projectile is closed by a screwed plug, and there is no fuze.  It is possible that the filling is intended to ignite by heating effects resulting from shock of impact.

  

37/45mm AP

Guns used in: 37/45mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: None

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.7 kg
Total length of projectile: 337mm (Manual states "kg")
Weight of complete round: 1.43 kg
Length of cartridge case: 202mm
Weight of propellant: 0.188 kg

Remarks: The projectile contains no explosive, but has a tracer.





37/54mm AA

Guns used in: 37/54mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 37/54 Shell

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.024 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.8 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round, packed in a tray for use in the gun.  Weight of complete round is 1.59kg, and overall length is 14.5 inches.  The propellant charge weighs 0.2kg composed of powder grains 0.65mm x 7mm x 185mm.  The projectile is grey-green, with a red band below the nose fuze.  A tracer is fitted into the base of the projectile.






40/39mm AA

Guns used in: 40/39mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 40/39 Shell

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.055 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round, packed in a tray for use in the gun.  The complete round is 1.45kg, and is 291 mm long.  The propellant charge weighs 0.104kg, composed of powder 2.3mm x 0.8mm x 98mm.  The projectile is grey-green, with a red band below the nose fuze.  A tracer is fitted into the base of the projectile.

47/32mm HE M35

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Percussion nose fuze M39

Overall length (w/ fuze): 10.1 inches
Overall length (w/o fuze): 9.2 inches
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.15 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 2.37 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round.  The complete round weighs 2.37kg.  The propellant charge weighs 0.052kg, composed of Italian type F.C. 4 Powder.

The shell is machined from a rolled bar steel and has a parallel-walled cavity the same diameter as the fuze hole.  The exterior of the shell is thinly coated with zinc before coloring.  There is no base plate.  The upper rotating band is more than one third of the length from the base.

47/32mm AP M35 (With Cap)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base fuze MO9

Overall length with tracer: 206mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 50mm
Width of band: 8mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.5 kg
Total length of round: 355.6mm (Manual forgets to state measurement)
Weight of complete round: 2.9kg

Remarks: A tracer element is fixed to the base of the projectile.

47/32mm AP M35 (Without Cap)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base fuze MO9

Overall length with tracer: 155mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 50mm
Width of band: 8mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.5 kg
Total length of round: 299.7mm (Manual forgets to state measurement)
Weight of complete round: 2.9kg

Remarks: A tracer element is fixed to the base of the projectile.

47/32mm AP M39

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Percussion nose fuze M39

Overall length: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.42 kg

Remarks: The complete round weighs 2.035kg and contains 0.179kg propellant powder F.C. 3. A tracer element is fitted into the projectile.

Another version of the M39 has no explosive filling or fuze but contains a tracer element.  The round is very similar to the 47/32mm A.P. M35.

47/32mm E.P. (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base Fuze E.P. M41

Overall length: 251.5mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: Tritolite (50% TNT and 50% Cyclonite)
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.23 kg

Remarks: This projectile is used in a fixed round.  The propellant charge used is smaller than the other 47/32mm shells, since a larger portion of the projectile is located in the case.

47/32mm E.P.S. (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Nose Fuze  I.E.P.M.

Overall length: 251.5mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: Unknown
Length of cartridge case: 192mm

Next Time: Italian 57mm to 70mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Projectiles (8mm and 12.7mm Cartridges)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

8mm Ball

Guns used in: 8mm Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 80.5mm
Weight of round: 30.23 grams
Length of bullet: 34mm
Weight of bullet: 13.42 grams
Length of cartridge case: 59mm
Weight of propellant: 3.1 grams

Remarks: This round consists of a brass cartridge case and a bullet which is made up of a lead core enclosed in a plated jacket.





8mm AP

Guns used in: 8mm Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 80.3mm
Weight of complete round: 29.34 grams
Length of bullet: 36.9mm
Weight of bullet: 12.57 grams
Length of cartridge case: 59mm
Weight of propellant: 3.08 grams

Remarks: The bullet is made up of a plated steel jacket enclosing a hard steel core with a soft lead point.

  

12.7mm Tracer (Red Tip)

Guns used in: 12.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 107.25mm
Weight of complete round: 83.6 grams
Length of bullet: 42.5mm
Weight of bullet: 36.35 grams
Length of cartridge case: 81mm
Weight of propellant: 8.1 grams

Remarks: The round has a semi-rimless brass cartridge case and a bullet with a copper-nickel jacket.  The round is the normal tracer type.  The bullet has a lead core containing a tracer tube and an aluminum tip.  The base is closed by a transparent disc and a brass washer.  The color of the tracer is red.




12.7mm Incendiary (Blue Tip)

 
Guns used in: 12.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 106.7mm
Weight of complete round: 84.5 grams
Length of bullet: 44.6mm
Weight of bullet: 36.5 grams
Length of cartridge case: 81mm
Weight of propellant: 8.1 grams

Remarks: This bullet consists of a copper-nickel jacket with a copper sleeve container, a brass core, and a lead base plug.  The tip of the copper sleeve in front at the brass core is sealed to the base of the core with soft solder.





12.7mm A.P.I.T. (White Tip)

Guns used in: 12.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 107mm
Weight of complete round: 84.1grams
Length of bullet: 50.6mm
Weight of bullet: 36.7 grams
Length of cartridge case: 81mm
Weight of propellant: 7.8 grams

Remarks: The bullet consists of a copper-nickel jacket; a copper sleeve, forming the nose of the bullet; a steel core with a lead bend pressed around its base into cannelures; a lead base plug and tracer tube, a transparent closing disc and brass washer, and a split steel supporting piece in the nose, which possibly acts as a forming anvil.

The nose is filled with three compositions: first, in the tip and intimately pressed into the split anvil, a mixture of aluminum-lead oxide; next, a mixture of magnesium potassium chlorate antimony sulphide and, around the nose of the core, magnesium-lead oxide.  The tracer burns a bright red.

12.7mm H.E

Guns used in: 12.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 102.5mm
Weight of complete round: 84.1grams
Length of bullet: 51.3mm
Weight of bullet: 37.5 grams
Type of filling: Penthrite-wax mixture
Weight of filling: 0.8 grams
Length of cartridge case: 81mm
Weight of propellant: 8.2 grams

Remarks: The projectile consists of a steel body with a coating of gilding metal in the exterior, which is thickened to form a rotating band.  The fuze is similar in action to the German A25045.

Next Time: Italian 37mm to 47mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Projectiles (General Info, 6.5mm, and 7mm Cartridges)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

Italian Small Arms Ammunition

General

Italian small arms ammunition does not have many unusual characteristics and is very similar to British and German ammunition.  In some cases, the ammunition is interchangeable for use in each country's guns.


The following is a summary of Italian small arms ammunition:

6.5mm Rimless

1. Guns used in: Rifle M91, Carbine M91, Machine Gun M30 and M30 (A/N: Not sure why it repeats) and Machine Gun M14 (Fiat)


2. Types:
A. Ball M91/95 - Round Nose
B. Fragmenting bullet M91 - 3 longitudinal striations on the bullet
C. Fragmenting bullet M91 - 2 annular grooves on the bullet
D. Blank for rifles - Scarlet wooden bullet
E. Blank for machine gun - Bullet consist of inert black powder which is enclosed in a thin brass jacket.
F. Dummy M91/95
G. Practice M91 - Bullet consists of a closed jacket of copper-nickel, the upper half filled with lead, the lower half with sand.
H. Practice for miniature range M91 - This ammunition consists of a brass cartridge case with a steel tube attached to the base of the case and fitting internally.  A lead bullet fits into the top of the steel tube and cartridge fits into the base of the tube.



7.35mm (Rimless)


1. Guns used in: Rifle M38, Machine Gun M38

2. Types:
A. Ball
B. Fragmenting
C. Practice - Minitature Ranges
D. Blanks for rifles
E. Blank for machine guns



7.7mm (Rimmed) (interchangeable with .303 British)

1. Guns used in: 7.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

2. Types:
A. Ball
B. Tracer - Red Tip
C. Armor-Piercing Incendiary (phosphorus) - Blue Tip
D. Armor-Piercing Incendiary (thermite) - Green Tip



8mm (Rimmed)

1. Guns used in: 8mm Mannlicher Rifle, 8mm Schwarzlose Machine Gun

2. Types:
A. Ball
B. Blank for rifle - Reddish orange wooden bullet
C. Blank for machine gun - Green wooden bullet



8mm (Rimless)

1. Guns used in: Machine Gun Fiat M35, Breda M37 and M38

2. Types:
A. Ball
B. Armor-Piercing M37 and M43 - M40 has red tip
C. Blank - Bullet consists of inert black powder enclosed in brass jacket



12.7mm (Rimless)

1. Guns used in: 12.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

2. Types:
A. Ball
B. Tracer - Red Tip
C. Armor-Piercing - Green Tip
D. Armor-Piercing Incendiary (thermite) Tracer - White Tip
E. H.E. Projectile - Red body with nose percussion fuze
F. Incendiary (phosphorus) - Blue Tip
G. Incendiary (thermite) Tracer - Blue body with nose percussion fuze similar to German Fuze A25045
H. Incendiary (thermite) Tracer - Buff body with nose percussion fuze fitted



13.2mm (Rimless)

1. Guns used in: 13.2mm Breda Machine Gun

2. Types:
A. Armor-Piercing
B. Armor-Piercing Tracer - Red Tip



14mm (Similar to British 0.55 inch Anti-Tank Rifle ammunition)

1. Guns used in: Captured British Anti-Tank rifle

2. Types: Armor-Piercing



20mm (interchangeable with German 2cm Solothurn type ammunition)

1. Guns used in: 20mm Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Tank Gun Breda M35

2. Types:
A. H.E. - Nose percussion fuze and self-destroying tracer
B. A.P./H.E./Tracer - Base fuze consisting of a fixed firing pin and primer cap held in position by a shear pin.



  

6.5mm Ball

Guns used in: Moschetto M91 Carbine Italian Mannlicher Carcano Rifle

Overall length of round: 76.5mm
Weight of round: 22.67 grams
Length of bullet: 30.1mm
Weight of bullet: 10.5 grams
Length of cartridge case: 52.2mm
Weight of propellant: 2.3 grams

Remarks: The round consists of a rimless brass case




7.35mm Ball

Guns used in: Fucile M38 Rifle

Overall length of round: 73.3mm
Weight of complete round: 20.1 grams
Overall length of bullet: 27.4mm
Weight of bullet: 8.32 grams
Length of cartridge case: 53.3mm
Weight of propellant: 2.6 grams

Remarks: The round has the marking B.T.M. on the base of the brass cartridge case.  The projectile has a nickel-plated steel jacket enclosing an aluminum case and a lead core to rear of the aluminum.

  

7.7mm Ball

Guns used in: 7.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 77.5mm
Weight of round: 25.43 grams
Length of bullet: 32.9mm
Length of cartridge case: 56mm
Weight of propellant: 2.56 grams

Remarks: The round is interchangeable with the British 0.303 inch and is almost identical to the British Mk VII.  The bullet has a copper-nickel plated steel jacket enclosing an aluminum forward core and a lead core in the rear.




7.7mm A.P.I. Incendiary (Blue Tip)

 
Guns used in: 7.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 77mm
Weight of round: 23.33 grams
Length of bullet: 35mm
Weight of bullet: 9.96 grams
Length of cartridge case: 56mm
Weight of propellant: 2.4 grams

Remarks: The round consists of a brass cartridge case, a copper cap, and a bullet whose jacket is pierced with four holes on the ogive so that at these points the incendiary composition is protected only by a thin copper sleeve.  The jacket is steel plated with either copper-nickel or copper-nickel alloy.  A copper sleeve, a steel core in a lead sheath, and the forward nose portion filled with phosphorus are enclosed by the bullet jacket.  The four holes on the ogive permit the distribution of the phosphorus on impact.




7.7mm A.P.I. (Green Tip)

 
Guns used in: 7.7mm Aircraft Machine Gun

Overall length of round: 77mm
Weight of round: 24.6 grams
Length of bullet: 35mm
Weight of bullet: 10.2 grams
Length of cartridge case: 56mm
Weight of propellant: 2.5 grams

Remarks: The round has a brass cartridge case, and copper-nickel jacketed bullet.  The makeup of the bullet is very similar to the A.P.I. (Blue Tip), but the nose is filled with two compositions.  In the tip is a small quantity of magnesium potassium chlorate and, behind it, surrounding the nose of the steel core, some aluminum-lead oxide.  Four holes in the ogive permit the mixture to be distributed on impact.

Next Time: Italian Small Arms Ammunition (8mm and 12.7mm Cartridges)